Bradenton police search for man wanted in home invasion and sexual battery

Police say they believe man is still in the area

Kimberly Kuizon

6:21 PM, Jun 8, 2012

6:23 PM, Jun 8, 2012

The Bradenton Police Department did a lot of walking and talking on Friday.

WFTS

WFTS

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The Bradenton Police Department did a lot of walking and talking on Friday.

"We think this man maybe somewhere in the area," said Captain Warren Merriman as he handed out flyers in a Bradenton neighborhood.

Police say they are looking for any leads on a man they are calling armed and dangerous.

On Tuesday night, detectives said a man rang a woman's front door bell and while she was distracted, he broke in through a back window. Police say he stole $800, sexually assaulted her at gunpoint, and then repeatedly beat the 62-year-old grandmother in the face.

"It was brutal and violet," said Merriman.

Officers are canvassing areas they think the man could be hiding. They're hanging flyers in local businesses and telling people to be on the lookout.

"We are doing everything we can to catch this suspect before he commits another sexual battery or home invasion," said Merriman.

A few houses down from the attack, Christine Mulherin said she has seen a larger police presence in her neighborhood.

"I feel safer, but I don't think he is going to come back. Especially with the police here," she said.

But Merriman said they will not stop their search efforts until they catch their man.

"He is a black male 18 to 25 years of age, light build, with short afro hair. If you see him you need to contact us," he said.

If you have any information regarding this case you are asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 or Detective Leonel Marines at 941-932-9327 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8744).

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.